Jamie Shirreff

I am a pursuing an MBA and MA in International Environmental Policy joint degree at the Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS). I previously lived and studied in the United Kingdom. My past work included time spent as an environmental education teacher and manager of youth development programs. My studies at the Monterey Institute have given me the opportunity to work on projects with some incredible organizations.

Last year I worked with the Big Sur Land Trust on their initiative to increase public engagement by developing youth education programs to provide greater connection with the land and the outdoors. I also participated in the Frontier Market Scouts program, a partnership between MIIS and Village Capital, earning a certificate in Impact Investing and Social Enterprise Management. Subsequently I joined the team at CloudPay, an exciting social enterprise in Santa Cruz, working to build a community-building partnership between independent merchants and local nonprofits designed support the growth of local economies.

“For me what stood out the most was the level of commitment and involvement from all of the bank staff, at every level. Everyone was incredibly open and enthusiastic to help. This is unique, and something you wouldn’t expect from other internship programs. The interns were always made to feel valuable, respected and included in the bank’s work. It was so beneficial to be able to work on a project that I knew would be meaningful to the bank in the future and would be used after the internship was over.” – Jamie Shirreff, MBA Candidate at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, Sacramento Strategic Sector Research & Analysis Intern, 2014 Cohort